Asian Veg-sations!

Hello everybody! Today I would like to share my vegan adventures in my local Hong Kong Supermarket in Flushing, NY. Since Chinese culture has historical and spiritual roots in vegetarianism, these stores often have a medley of unique, vegan-friendly products that are worth the trip! Also, these stores have LOADS of delicious junk food products (I prefer the term evil healthy snack) so if you’ve got the munchies, load up!

First up, we have these sexually suggestive “Swallow Balls” hahaha. They are actually a vegan version of the fish balls that are commonly used in Shabu Shabus, and are made with yam flour and soy. Though pretty tasteless, the consistency is top notch and has the ability to absorb any flavoring you add, be it spicy or sweet. I myself used it for my lunchtime congee, with a sprinkling of Maggi and some hot oil pepper flakes. It also comes in Squid and Shrimp flavors! 3.5 out of 5 carrots!

Next up is Calbee Snow Pea Crisps. I abso-fucking-lutely LOVE these crunchy, faintly-pea-tasting snacks, almost as much as I love the classic Wasabi peas (which are vegan in the Kasugai brand!) A must have for anyone sitting down to watch ChungKing Express or Saving Face late at night! 4.5 out of 5 carrots.

So, ever since I went vegan I’ve been depressed at the fact that I had to give up Bugles (which USED to be vegan till they went and added whey!! WHY??). Imagine my orgasm-inducing DELIGHT when I came across these babies! Though they are a spicier version of the classic snack, the crunch factor and overall likeness to the real thing are unsurpassed! 5 out of 5 carrots!!

So being Taiwanese, I have an undying devotion to stinky tofu, no matter how rancid the olfactory assault (the stinker the better!). However, I seldom like to cook it myself as it lingers on in my hair and clothes (I want to eat it but I really prefer not to have it hanging around on my date), so this delicious packaged sort really takes care of that mess for me! It is absolutely sumptuous and rich in flavor, and the sauce it is marinated in can be used towards noodle soups and stir-fries. Totally delish!! I am going to go ahead and say 6 out of 5 carrots!!!

Finally, we have something for the sweet tooths. This totally natural and satisfying snack can be a bit annoying to crack open, but the buttery flavor and yummy nutty aroma will have you devouring the whole bag! Nuts are also good for hair and skin! ;) 4 out of 5 carrots!